The Role of Reservoirs in a Glacierized Basin Under Climate Change: An Analysis Using the WEAP Model

 

The Syr Darya River Basin is a highly glacierized transboundary system where future water availability is strongly influenced by climate change, reservoir operations, and population growth. This study investigates the role of reservoirs in regulating water supply under future climate scenarios using the Water Evaluation and Planning (WEAP) model. Climate projections from the ISIMIP framework under Shared Socioeconomic Pathways SSP1-2.6, SSP3-7.0, and SSP5-8.5 are used to drive hydrological inputs, including streamflow, precipitation, and temperature, while population growth projections represent evolving water demands.

 Results indicate a strong increase in summer unmet demand by 2050, intensifying further by 2090, with peak deficits occurring in July–August. Reservoir refilling remains seasonal across all scenarios but becomes more variable and less reliable by 2090, with deeper drawdowns and reduced buffering capacity under higher-emission pathways.